What is an Inverter Generator and How Does it Work?

As someone who has worked in the energy sector for over a decade, focused on diesel generators and energy storage systems, inverter generators have always fascinated me. At Generator Warehouse, we often get asked—what exactly are inverter generators, and how do they differ from traditional gas-powered generators?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what inverter generators are, the differences between inverter and conventional generators, the benefits of inverter generators, how they work, applications, and things to consider when selecting the right inverter generator for your needs. Grab a cuppa. Let’s unpack it together!

A Quick Intro to Portable Generators

First, a quick refresher. Portable generators are engine-driven machines that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy to power various appliances and devices when there is no utility electricity supply. This is an emergency power backup or an off-grid power source for recreational activities like camping and events.

The engine turns an alternator to produce the electricity that then passes through control systems before being supplied to connected electrical loads. Diesel, gasoline, propane, and natural gas are standard fuels used in generators.

Inverter Generators - Definition and Key Features

An inverter generator is a unique portable generator with electronic inverter circuitry. This additional component converts the raw alternating current (AC) from the alternator into direct current (DC). It then inverts this DC power to clean and stable AC electricity optimised for sensitive devices.

Inverter generators' key features and capabilities include:

• Producing cleaner sine wave power with less total harmonic distortion (THD).
• Adjustable speed engine operation to match electrical load demand. This allows for improved fuel efficiency.
• Lower levels of noise and vibrations during operation, reducing disturbance.
• Ability to power sensitive electronics like smartphones, laptops, medical equipment, etc., safely
• Compact, portable, and ergonomic designs for easy transport and mobility at events or work sites.
• Options for parallel connectivity to combine the output of multiple units when more power is needed.

The additional inverter component adds to the purchase cost but provides greater versatility in terms of applications along with eco-friendly and user-friendly operation.

Differences between Inverter and Traditional Generators

While traditional portable generators and inverters both convert fuel into usable electricity, there are some notable differences between the two generator types:

• Power Quality: Inverter generators produce a clean sine wave with lower total harmonic distortion that is safe for sensitive electronics and appliances. Traditional generators output raw electricity with more fluctuations in voltage and frequency.
• Fuel Efficiency: Inverter generators use advanced load-sensing and throttle technologies to adjust engine speed based on electricity demand. This allows them to conserve fuel and run more efficiently. Traditional generators operate at a fixed rate with lower fuel economy.
• Noise Levels: Inverter generators produce lower noise levels and practically eliminate loud surges during start-up or connection of loads. This allows them to be used in noise-sensitive environments. Traditional generators have a loud and constant engine drone.
• Portability: Due to electronic inverter components instead of bulkier copper wire windings, inverter generators tend to be lighter in weight and more compact. This improves mobility and ease of transport to various locations.
• Parallel Capability: Some advanced inverter generators can be connected parallel to combine their power output during higher energy demand. Achieving this expanded capacity is more complex with traditional generator models.

So, in summary - cleaner power quality, better fuel efficiency, lower noise, increased portability, and parallel capabilities make inverter generators the preferred choice for running sensitive equipment and operating in populated environments.

Why Consider An Inverter Generator? Benefits and Advantages

After understanding the key benefits of inverter generators over traditional models, the next logical question is - why should you consider investing in an inverter generator instead of a regular gasoline-powered portable generator?

Here are some of the top reasons to choose an inverter generator:

Power Sensitive Electronics Safely

Modern inverter generators produce clean electricity that is safe for delicate and sensitive electronics like smartphones, tablets, laptops, medical equipment, gaming consoles, etc., since there are fewer spikes or dips. When relying on an inverter generator for backup power, you no longer have to worry about damage to that brand-new iPhone or expensive TV.

Improved Fuel Economy

With advanced load-sensing and throttle control, the engine speed of an inverter generator is optimised based on electricity demand instead of running at full constant RPM like traditional generators. This saves fuel and gives longer runtimes per tank of gasoline or other fuels. Going green has never been easier!

Keep The Noise Down

You can converse generally without raised voices near an operating inverter generator, even at close distances. This allows their use in noise-sensitive environments like residential neighbourhoods, campsites, fields, hospitals, and event venues where loud generator noise would be disruptive. No more complaints from cranky neighbours!

Lightweight and Portable

Inverter generators utilise more advanced electronic components than heavy copper wiring and tend to be more lightweight and compact. You can easily lift, transport, and store these generators, taking reliable power wherever you go - whether on camping trips, worksites, picnics, or family gatherings. No more sore arms after moving equipment!

Expandable Power Options

Some higher-end inverter generators feature parallel connection capabilities, allowing you to double your available electricity output when powering larger loads or multiple devices by combining two units. This modular expandability enables inverter generators to keep pace with growing electricity demands.

Durability and Reliability

Reputable inverter generators utilise high-quality components and protective casings and undergo extensive testing to ensure product durability and reliability. Advanced controllers also monitor operation parameters to prevent system overloads or failures. You can trust an inverter generator to deliver efficient backup power whenever needed.

So, if you want portable generator power that is safe, quiet, eco-friendly, lightweight, and flexible - then it’s time to switch to an inverter generator! Reap the advantages of the latest advancements in generator technology with options catered to a wide range of applications.

How Does An Inverter Generator Work?

The additional inverter component gives this type of generator its name and distinctive capabilities. But how exactly does the advanced technology inside an inverter generator work? Let’s break it down:

Image: Components inside an Inverter Generator (Credit: Generator Warehouse)

Here are the step-by-step stages of power generation in an inverter generator:

1. Fuel Energy

Like traditional generators, an inverter generator starts with an engine that runs on fuel like gasoline, diesel, propane, etc. This engine provides the driving mechanical power that the generator needs.

2. Alternator Production

The engine spins an alternator (containing stationary magnets and rotating wire coils), which uses electromagnetic induction to generate alternating current (AC) electricity.

3. AC to DC Conversion

Here is where inverter generators differ. The generated AC power is routed to capacitors and rectifiers that convert it into direct current (DC) instead of going directly to the outputs.

4. Voltage Adjustments

Circuits with transistors manipulate and stabilise the converted DC voltage as per the requirements of the equipment being powered by the generator.

5. DC to Clean AC Conversion

The tweaked direct current passes through advanced inverter circuitry that uses a high-speed pulse width modulation (PWM) approach to cleanly invert the DC back into stable, consistent AC voltage optimised for sensitive devices.

6. Regulated Output

Finally, the cleanly recreated AC electricity reaches regulated power outlets to deliver reliable and consistent sine wave power customised to safely match the needs of connected electrical loads.

So, in summary, the engine provides raw generator power while the nifty inverter electronics ensure optimised output quality - that’s how inverter generators differ under the hood from traditional portable generators. Pretty neat, eh?

What Are Inverter Generators Used For? Applications and Use Cases

We’ve covered what inverter generators are, how they differ from conventional generators, and what goes on inside them. Now you may be wondering - for what applications are inverter generators most suitable?

Here are some of the most popular use cases and applications where inverter generators shine bright:

• Emergency Home Backup Power - Power vital appliances like lights, kitchen equipment, and medical devices safely during blackouts.
• RV and Caravan Power - A reliable off-grid electricity source when camping or living on the road.
• Outdoor Recreational Activities - Portable power for outdoor parties, barbecues, pop-up restaurants/bars, and family gatherings.
• Construction Sites - Provides consistent auxiliary power for operating tools and equipment on worksites.
• Events, Concerts, and Large Venues - Quiet yet powerful electricity supply for outdoor entertainment events, food stalls, and mobile production equipment.
• Emergency & Backup Services - Hospitals, assistance agencies, and field teams can benefit from inverter generators as fail-safe power redundancy.

From keeping the lights on at home during electricity grid failures to powering critical medical devices in ambulances - inverter generators deliver optimised portable electricity tailored precisely for sensitive electronics in various environments and applications.

Factors To Consider When Selecting an Inverter Generator

Now that you know all about what sets inverter generators apart and their most suitable applications, let’s go through some key considerations when choosing the right inverter generator for your needs:

• Output Wattage - Carefully assess the startup and continuous wattage demands of devices you plan to power and choose an inverter generator with at least a 10-15% buffer. This leaves room for future power demand growth.
• Runtime - Estimate the approximate backup time you expect to get from a single generator fuel tank refill based on your usage patterns. Depending on the model, Inverter generators offer between 6 to 20 hours per tank.
• Portability - Consider physical dimensions, weight, and mobility features like wheels and handles if you frequently need to transport your generator to different sites.
• Outlet Type - Ensure the electrical outlets and plug types match region-specific standards - for example, Type I outlet standards in Australia differ from Type A and B norms.
• Noise Level - When operating near populated areas, noise levels below 65 dBA are ideal. Specific inverter models reach a meagre 58 dBA rating.
• Budget - Lastly, define your budget constraints for the generator purchase. Inverter generators provide excellent value for money in the long term despite slightly higher initial costs than conventional models.

This guide has helped demystify inverter generators - clarifying precisely what they are, their advanced inner workings, key benefits, practical applications, and things to evaluate when selecting the suitable model for your needs. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!